For free & confidential support or advice call 028 9066 6049, email support@belfastwomensaid.org.uk or use our webchat service. Call, email or chat online for support Mon to Fri 9am–5pm; evening support available until 8pm on Thursdays.
The Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline is available 24/7 on 0808 802 1414
Domestic abuse affects everyone in the family in different ways. It can be hard to talk about what is happening to you. It can be difficult to make sense of it.
One of the most effective ways to help you children is by keeping yourself safe.
Talk to your children. Be as honest as you can about the situation without frightening them. Reassure them that the abuse is not their fault and that they are not responsible for the behaviour of your partner. If you choose to stay in a refuge our Child Workers provide support and activities for children. Refuge can be a very positive experience for children. They are safe, they have the opportunity to meet other children in a similar situation to them, they can talk about their experiences to each other and they can begin to understand that they are not alone.
Children can be helped to come to an understanding of their situation. Support is also provided for children and young people whose mothers are using the outreach service.
We understand the impact domestic abuse can have on children and young people and aim to provide a service to meet each of their complex and individual needs. Detailed information on services available through out Northern Ireland can be found here.
We provide a range of age-appropriate specialised services, including:
Read more about our approach to working with children and young people here.
Women’s Aid in England have created a website called The Hideout children and young people can go if they want answers to questions such as:
Children & Young Person’s Workers (Belfast & Lisburn Women’s Aid)
02890 666049
Childline
0800 1111
24 Hour Domestic & Sexual Abuse Helpline
0808 802 1414 – help@dsahelpline.org
If at any time you or a member of your family is in danger and needs help – dial 999. Ask for the police and tell them what is happening. If you are unable to talk, use the Silent Solution. Call 999, stay on the line and wait for a prompt by the operator, then press 55. This will alert the operator that you need help but are unable to talk.